Winning story from rosemary
Steps Out' by Rosemary
As they set out, the first drops of rain began to fall, but they didn't dampen his excitement. He was really looking forward to his journey today and hoped this rain wouldn't put a damper on it. He'd never been to that area of old England before and was anxious to see that part of the country, especially as several people had told him how beautiful it was. Not only the splendid cathedral near the busy docks and port, but the surrounding countryside of rolling hills, small stone villages, cattle and sheep grazing in lush green fields, soaring woodland and pretty wild flowers along the hedgerows. Oh, it sounded like HEAVEN and he felt so very fortunate to have been offered a job there, together with a house to live in.
His excitement mounted as they left London behind and the groom "giddy-upped" the horses, determined to make good time. But, what a disappointment the lashing rain was during all those miles and hours of travel - and it STILL hadn't stopped raining when they reached their destination!
When the carriage finally came to a stop, the horses' legs were more than knee-deep in water. And then, when HE steps out from the carriage HE is standing in water too! RIGHT UP TO HIS MIDDLE!!
So right there and then, Dr Foster makes up his mind that, NO, he won't be taking up the job offered to him here in Gloucester, after stepping into that puddle right up to his middle, and says, "I'll NEVER go there again."
And of course, Dr Foster's plight has gone down in history and been chanted by many children of a certain age over the years since then!!
